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With the support of the licensee and staff at the Lord John Public House on Russell Street a drugs tracing machine was used as a condition of entry and customers were asked to walk through a knife arch.

A positive indication on the arch resulted in a small penknife being seized and approximately 450 walked through the arch during the evening.

Around 180 people gave samples on the drugs tracing machine, as a result of which a 19-year-old Wotton-Under-Edge man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a class A drug. He has been bailed to return to the police station on May 28, pending further enquiries. A 22-year-old man from Stroud was charged with possession of cannabis as a result of the operation. He was given a formal caution.

Additional foot patrols were also carried out during the town and a passive drugs dog was also used.

During the evening four other arrests were made. A 19-year-old man and two 15-year-old boys were also arrested on suspicion of assault. They have been bailed to return to the police station on May 20. A penalty notice was issued to a 21-year-old man from Stroud after he was arrested for being drunk and disorderly.

Special Constable Steve Lindsay who organised the operation says:

"Keeping people safe is at the heart of operations such as this and we hope that they offer reassurance to local residents that we are working hard to reduce instances of public disorder and anti-social behaviour in the town at night.

"These operations, along with our work with local licensees and the council, enable people to socialise safely and to target those individuals intent on causing trouble."